Melanie McFarland has her finger on the pulse of the television remote. The networks, the premium channels, the great shows you love and the asinine shows the rest of America watches … she knows what's on. If you have a question, e-mail her at tvgal@seattlepi.com.

Restless skies ahead for “Grey’s Anatomy.”

But that ugly epithet heard ’round the world is still all anyone can talk about — T.R. Knight on “Ellen,” Washington via his publicist, ABC through a severe, terse corporate statement.

All of this could have been avoided if Washington had hit the mute button on his ego before he went to the Globes. Had he done that, 2007’s most hideous faux pas would remain locked way in a box and quite possibly be buried by now. Washington would be free to deal with his issues privately. Knight would not have been victimized in public.

People would remember Monday as the night “Grey’s Anatomy” won the Golden Globe for Best Drama, and in a few years the original incident would be a side note, something Knight and Washington could dismiss as an unpleasant bump. “Four and a half seconds of one day in three years,” that’s how showrunner Shonda Rhimes put it.

But in the end, that’s not what happened. To watch any amount of television whatsoever this week was to witness the fallout from a very different f-bomb, one that sadly in some circles is still quite acceptable. That’s why Washington felt like he was doing himself and his cast a favor. But never mind that — his outburst is mushrooming, and all because he’s self-absorbed on top of being homophobic.

I’m speculating here, but it takes real arrogance and an almost pathological lack of sensitivity to leap across one’s boss, grab the microphone and tell the world, “No, I did not call TR Knight a f****t.” As if that would help his precarious situation.

The question was directed toward Rhimes, who had already done her best to defuse the situation, which makes the situation even worse. Washington wasn’t asked to say a thing.

“Never happened, never happened,” he continued. He forgot to add, “…. until now.”

Recent history is always what counts, especially when it unfolds in front of the world’s cameras. When that happens, no amount of spinning can help. Knight must be devastated. But Washington is trying to climb back into everyone’s good graces, reportedly arranging a meeting with GLAAD and engaging in verbal groveling, courtesy of TMZ.com.

“I apologize to T.R., my colleagues, the fans of the show and especially the lesbian and gay community for using a word that is unacceptable in any context or circumstance. By repeating the word Monday night, I marred what should have been a perfect night for everyone who works on ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’

“I can neither defend nor explain my behavior. I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I’ve asked for help. “

Every sentiment polished by a publicist sounds heartfelt and genuine. Set it against the scene caught on tape and readily accessible to anyone with a computer, and what does it matter? Washington put his bigotry on display in full flower in front of the world’s cameras — not a dinky phone video job like the one that caught Michael Richards channeling Bull Connor, but news cameras. With terrific lighting.

Congratulations on that Best Drama Golden Globe win, “Grey’s.”

Now the wait begins. What will happen? On the one hand, the statement ABC released on Thursday allows you to draw your own conclusions.

“We are greatly dismayed that Mr. Washington chose to use such inappropriate language at the Golden Globes, language that he himself deemed ‘unfortunate’ in his previous public apology,” it said. “We take this situation very seriously. His actions are unacceptable and are being addressed.”

That sure does sound like, “Isaiah, you’re sooooo outta there.” See that ship sailing off into the night? See the arm fluttering a yellow hankie in the wind? That’s your career. Wave it buh-bye.

And if you, the viewer, have a sliver of understanding about the cold nature of the TV business and subscribe to the idea of social equality and political correctness — heck, why shouldn’t they let him go? It’s not any skin off our noses. Preston Burke is aloof, and his contentious relationship with Cristina Yang has grown annoying. Washington does not make Burke smoulder; under those good looks, the handsome surgeon might as well be frozen, carved onyx.

So, isn’t it early enough in the season for executive producer Shonda Rhimes to write him out? Yes. Isn’t she creative enough to pull it off? I certainly think so.

Don’t gays and lesbians make up a healthy portion of the “Grey’s” audience? From what I understand, yes.

Didn’t Burke have a hand tremor that could, you know, conveniently return during a surgery — thereby ending his career? Hasn’t Dr. Webber given too many of those interns a free pass? One of them cut her boyfriend’s life support to get him a new heart, for crying out loud. Could it be time for the head of Seattle Grace make an example out of someone?

And isn’t Taye Diggs free now that “Day Break” is out of production?

Yes to all of that.

But — and this is a juicy but — there’s that other hand to contend with, the one sorting through the creative side of all this and wondering how important it is to ABC to keep their most successful program’s onscreen chemistry intact.

Chemistry is the unnamable magic that creates hits, and it is the difference between successes and also-rans among character-driven television shows. Chemistry is why “Grey’s” is the No. 1 scripted drama on television, and why “ER” in an off season is like a deep splinter in your toe.

As tough as it is to capture, it’s vastly more difficult to replicate. “Grey’s” has it right now. Knowing that, ABC might be content to let Washington grovel and perhaps even stay on the show if he agrees to never, ever appear in public again — which, to an actor, is kind of like maintaining your career via satellite.

It seems members of GLAAD, who demanded an apology, might direct him toward that help he says he needs. He has reportedly agreed to meet with them, although I doubt whether such spin will have much bearing on whether he’ll keep his job.

Behind the scenes, Washington has bungled his relationships with Knight and the rest of his castmates. But in front of the camera, Burke and George have a beautiful bond. We saw that in Thursday night’s episode — which, by the way, beat “CSI” in overall ratings. In the final analysis, the bottom line rules all. “Grey’s” is ABC’s moneymaker. Obviously a few dark controversy clouds aren’t going to stop this sun from blazing.

What next? Only ABC and Rhimes know for sure … although I’m sure viewers, especially Seattleites, have their own opinions on the matter.